District Newsletter

Kindergarten screening dates for FY2009-10

• Willard Central/Willard North: May 4 & 5
• Willard East/Willard South: May 7 & 8

Parents should call the school the student will attend for an appointment after Spring Break. Children who will be attending Orchard Hills will be screened at Willard South and Willard Central. Mrs. Rhonda Bishop, Orchard Hills Principal, will be attending screenings at Willard South and Willard Central, to greet her new students. Please bring the following items with you to the screening: immunization records, proof of residency, social security card, birth certificate. All kindergartners are required to have an eye exam before entering kindergarten.

• Willard Central: 831-4440
• Willard East: 742-4639
• Willard North: 742-2597
• Willard South: 862-6308

District Office

A new neighbor is coming to the Willard District. I am not sure if we can bake an apple pie big enough to properly welcome them to the neighborhood, but at least I can say Welcome!! Willard School District has been home to the Springfield Airport since it was originally constructed. The old terminal has been added to many times to support the growing need for air travel. Now the new Springfield / Branson terminal will open on May 6th. I am flying to see my daughter's college graduation in Arizona on May 14th, so my family will get to see the facility from the air. Over the years I have had several questions in regard to the airport and how it provides funding for the school district. The school does get funding due to the airport, but due to the fact that it is a governmental entity we do not get the same rate of funding that we would from a commercial business. The district does benefit from personal property taxes that are assessed to actual planes that are stationed at the airport which is a good revenue support to our district. The indirect impact is clearly in the businesses that choose to relocate to be closer to the airport. Clearly the new Fed Ex depot is being constructed on EE Hwy. partly to be close to the airport. The enterprise zone which surrounds the airport offers tax incentives over 10 years to businesses which build in that area. These businesses are a significant revenue stream for our schools. We have been notified that everyone is invited to the open house at the airport tomorrow (Sat.) from 1:00 to 5:00. The new entry is in operation from Chestnut Expressway, as well as the round-about on EE Hwy. I have been told that the terminal is beautiful. I look forward to getting a closer look at our new neighbor.

I'd like to give a big "shout out" to all the district secretaries on behalf of Administrative Professional Day! Basically we'd have to shut down the district without you. Thanks for everything you do for us and for Willard kids.

Have a great weekend!

Kent

Dr. Kent E. Medlin Superintendent of Schools

Director of Activities

Hold on because we have a lot of praising to do here this week so it's going to be a little long!

Congratulations to Coach Scott McGee and the baseball tigers as they are on a winning streak. The tigers won their 3rd COC game in a row last night as they defeated Republic 1-0 behind an excellent start from junior John Latham. This runs their record to an impressive 13-4 on the season and 3-1 in the COC after defeating Nixa and Neosho earlier in the week. The tigers will host COC foe Branson next Tuesday and will travel to Ozark on Thursday. Great job guys and keep it going!

Congratulations to the Willard Wind Symphony for receiving on Honor I Rating for the 27th consecutive year at the MSHSAA State Band Festival yesterday. The Symphonic Band earned I ratings from two of the judges and the Percussion Orchestra received an Honor I Rating. This is a new group to the State Festival. I would also like to thank Chris Church, Vicki Meraz, and John Paul Chapman for their tireless efforts in hosting this event. As usual, the visitors were in awe of the facilities and hospitality shown to them.

Congratulations to the boys track squad for placing 3rd as a team in our home meet, the Willard Relays. Here are our medalists: 1st ; Sawyer Vincent - pole vault 3rd; Andy Gomes- 100m and 200m dashes Brian Daehling- discus and shot put Sam Murray - pole vault Cody Mueller - triple jump 4th; Jimmy Johnson - high jump Bradley Childers - 400m dash Brandon Anderson - long jump 4 x 100m relay of Andy Gomes, Jimmy Johnson, Rex Clark, Alex Christensen 4 x 800m relay of Bradley Childers, Alex Raby, Dan Nilsen, Austin Dean Wednesday, the 29th of April, the team travels to Branson for the OC/COC Challenge meet. Congratulations to the following girls for earning medals at the Nixa JV meet on Monday: Annette Rosier - 2nd in discus and 3rd in shot put Alisa Lechner - 3rd in discus Haiden Bowman - 3rd in the 200m

Congratulations to Mark Lawley and the Willard Choir. All 4 WHS Choirs - Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Mens Choir and Women's Choir earned the top Honor I rating at the MSHSAA State Large Ensemble Festival on Tuesday. Concert choir also earned a I+ and a I in Sight Reading!

Congratulations to the following FFA students on their performance at the State Convention: Nursery and Landscaping - 10th place out of 40 - Group I Team Earl Pummill Group I Ind., Ethan Patteson Group II Ind. , Jake Jacobs Group II Ind., Skye Lefbrve Group II Ind. Poultry - 13th place out of 48 - Group II Team Shelby Chittum Group I Ind., Grace Madsen Group I Ind., Ali Griffin Group II Ind., Nathan Lane Group II Ind. Ag. Mechanics - 13th place out of 60 - Group I Team Dalton Endicott Group I Ind., Alex Smith Group I Ind., Bradley Rummel Group II Ind., Phil Jones Group II Ind. Knowledge - 15th place out of 52 - Group II Team Jessicca Crabtree Group I Ind., Jenniffer Willams Group I Ind., Rebbecca Pummill Group II Ind., Erica Atkinson Group II Ind. Soils - 24th place out of 47 - Group II Team Sean Sieloff Group II Ind., Dylann Bishop Group II Ind., Micheal de la Torre Group II Ind., Anson Smith Group III Ind. Farm Management - 28th place out of 47 - Group II Team Kayla Tutty Group II Ind., Megan Kilmer Group II Ind., Kacie Smith Group III Ind., Chad Cook Group III Ind. We also had three area winners in proficiency awards that walked across stage. Earl Pummill - Fruit Production, Alex Smith - Beef Production Placement, Bradley Rummel - Agriculture Sales Ownership We had two students get the State FFA Degree and walk across stage to receive them. They were Chad Cook and Earl Pummill This year we as a chapter received a Superior Chapter Award and the 10+ Membership Award (for adding ten or more members to our roster from last year) Please congratulate these students on their accomplishments. They have worked hard on state competition from January until now.

Congratulations to the girls soccer team as they took home their 2nd win of the season over Pleasant Hope last week. The girls will travel to Branson next Tuesday and will host Marshfield on Thursday.

It's Good To Be A Tiger! Jeff Staley - Director of Operations

Special Services

 It has been one busy week for students and staff in special services. This week we have celebrated our secretaries, Melissa Baker and Cindy Farmer, for all they do to keep our department running smoothly, attended A Sporting Chance track and field meet on Saturday as thirteen students competed, took 40 students for Outdoors Day at Bois D'Arc Conservation, conducted our fourth session of therapeutic riding/hippotherapy, and planned for upcoming events and opportunities for students with special needs.

Please join us for a pancake breakfast to benefit our therapeutic riding program this Saturday at Applebee's on North Glenstone. Breakfast will be served from 8-10.

Also, mark your calendar to attend our second Partners in Strength Rally which will be held May 9th at the high school. This is an event you won't want to miss! Sandy Gold, Director of Special Services

Willard High School

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago in the "Pride", it is contest season for many of our activities. Let me begin with some contest results:

Vo-Ag returned from the FFA State Convention with a host of individual and chapter awards. The Nursery & Landscaping, Poultry, Ag Mechanics, and Knowlege teams all placed within the top 25% of all teams in the State. The Soils team and Farm Management team did very well in their competitions. Willard placed several students on the award stage, Earl Pummill for Fruit Production and State FFA Degree, Alex Smith for Beef Production, Bradley Rummel for Ag Sales Ownership, and Chad Cook receiving State FFA Degree. Our FFA chapter received the Superior Membership Award and FFA Membership Award. Lastly for FFA and the Vo-Ag Department, a big "shout out" to our own Alex Smith for being elected Area Vice President for the 09-10 school year. A great job by the FFA/Vo-Ag students and Mr. Prewitt and Mrs. Kimmons for their successes.

WHS Industrial Technology team also returned from competition with awards. WHS students placed three woodworking projects in districts. Tadu Rodea, Darren Evans, and Tyler Earl all received #1 ratings for their projects. Tyler Earl qualified for the state competition. Tadu Rodea earned first place in the technical drafting challenge and also is going to state. The Industrial Technology team with Mr. Atkinson represented WHS very well with some amazing entries.

Willard High School hosted the Missouri State High School Association State Band and Orchestra Festival the past three days. Southwest Missouri schools brought the best to compete in competitions held throughout the days ( Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday ).

Congratulations to the Willard Wind Symphony for receiving on Honor I Rating for the 27th consecutive year at the MSHSAA State Band Festival. The Symphonic Band earned I ratings from two of the judges and the Percussion Orchestra received an Honor I Rating. This is a new group to the State Festival. Please congratulate WHS Band students along with Mr. Church, Mrs. Meraz, and Mr. Chapman for being great hosts to MSHSAA and their continued success in instrumental music.

The WHS Choirs performed in the MSHSAA State Large Ensemble Festival. All four (4) WHS Choirs - Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Mens Choir, and Women's Choir earned the top Honor I rating. WHS Concert Choir added to the awards by earning a I+ and a I in Sight Reading. "Hats off" to our WHS Choir students and Mr. Lawley and Mrs. French for providing fantastic performances.

Dates of Importance:

End of Course Exams ( State Testing ) Tues. April 28th ( English II ), Thurs April 30th ( Biology ), Tues. May 5th ( Algebra I ), and Thurs. May 7th ( Algebra I ). Please communicate with your student the importance of the state assessments.

Seniors: Baccalaureate - Sunday May 10th in the HS Theater

Seniors: Final exams - Mon. May 11th and Tues. May 12th

Seniors: Graduation - Friday May 15th - 7:30pm start - Willard Athletic Stadium

Stewart Pratt, Principal

Willard Middle School

Greetings from the Willard Middle School. We are all exhaling this morning, as we have completed the MAP testing for this year, and although there is more to do before the end of the year, we are glad to have this phase completed. The last two weeks have included special test-prep lessons, activities, and rewards, all in an effort to promote the best efforts of our kids. We feel the process was successful, and look forward to seeing the results next fall. An example of what our Willard kids can do occurred this week. Our Middle School Academic team traveled to Clever to take part in an Academic competition with several other schools. They had a great time, and competed well, and the sponsoring teachers, Mrs. Damron and Mrs. Barnicle, both commented on how much they enjoyed the day with kids who seemed excited about answering questions and showing off what they have learned. The best thing took place the next day however, when the principal from Clever called my office to let me know how great our kids had done, and how impressed he was with their attitudes, behavior, and sportsmanship. How great is that! We sometimes get bogged down with the negatives in life, but it is sure uplifting when someone calls out of the blue to brag on your kids. Keep up the good work, and lets finish this year up with a bang. Tom Merriott WMS Asst. Principal

Willard Central Elementary

It was an amazing week of learning and fun at Willard Central Elementary. On Tuesday evening, Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Hodum hosted a wonderful Title 1 Family Reading Night. Food, fun and reading were enjoyed by all. On Wednesday, our 4th grade students traveled to Jefferson City to tour the state capital and the Missouri Archives. They have a great experience and represented the Willard community exceptionally well. Thursday evening, the Kindergarten students showed off their musical talents with their concert. It was an enjoyable evening for performers and family members alike.

We have another action-packed week ahead of us! Please make plans to join us Tuesday evening for our Fine Arts Night. Come enjoy student artwork, music and the book fair in the library. Fine Arts Night will be from 5:30-7:30 and will be a wonderful evening you wont want to miss!

You will also want to mark your calendars for the PTO Carnival at WC on Saturday, May 2nd. This grand event will be from 3-5 in the afternoon and will include carnival games, food, large inflatable activities and safety vehicles including a fire truck, police car, and a visit from the St. Johns helicopter. There will also be a raffle for AMAZING themed baskets and a live auction with many exciting prizes including 4 passes to Walt Disney World in Florida. You will also have the opportunity to soak the principal and teachers in the dunk booth. We look forward to seeing everyone and having a wonderful afternoon together.

Enjoy the spring weather and remember that WC is Wild About Learning!! ~ Shane Medlin, Principal

Willard East Elementary

Congratulations!! Willard East students blew their Read-a-thon goal out of the water! The goal was $4,000 and the latest tally was over $5,300! Unbelievable!!! The incentive for this goal was that Mrs. Miller would spend the day on top of Willard East Elementary! Please feel free to drive by and honk at Mrs. Miller today if you get the chance.

Willard North Elementary

Willard North is finally getting outside to enjoy the nice weather! Our tiger garden is flourishing, and many classes have been able to go outside for enjoy the outdoor classroom.

Third grade celebrated their famous inventor projects by hosting a Famous Inventor night on Thursday. Students dressed up as their favorite inventor and conducted a wax museum in which they shared information about their inventors and showed off their presenting skills. Their hard work is displayed throughout the hallways at North.

This Saturday the Honor Choir will be performing at the Cardinals Baseball game in Springfield. The game will start will start at 2:00, and Honor Choir will be kicking of the game with the National Anthem.

Principals Rhonda Bishop and Angela Stevens

Future-cast of Upcoming Events:

April 27 Book Fair Begins

April 29 Locks of Love Assembly

April 30 Talent Show try outs

May 1 Celebration of Learning

Willard South Elementary

This week we celebrated Accelerated Schools Awareness week. We focused on the three main principles...STRENGTH, UNITY of purpose & EMPOWERMENT with responsibility. We also discussed the VISION of our building. Activities included a magic assembly for student, wearing our favorite team attire, a visit from Mother Nature, giant shredder to reinforce our Going Green theme, wearing hats and sunglasses to help find our "vision" for our school and going green from head to toe! It was a fun filled week for everyone.

We also celebrated Secretary's Day on Wednesday. I would personally like to thank our WS secretaries Stan Miller and Sherry Rush for all of their hard work each and every day. They wear so many hats. I truly appreciate EVERYTHING they do an a daily basis including...attendance, enrolling students, answering all of the phone calls, helping teachers/students/parents, organizing all of the mounds of paperwork they receive, lunch count, finding subs, ordering supplies AND SO MUCH MORE. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Next Week: M 4/27-Book Fair; MAD Science T 4/28-Kindergarten Music Program 1:30 & 7:00; Fine Arts Night 6-7; Book Fair 4-8; Good News Club W 4/29-Book Fair; 2nd grade field trip to Marshfield; Action Pack Th 4/30-Book Fair; Action Pack F 5/1-Summer School Applications are due; 2nd-4th grade field trip to WHS

Kara Crighton-Smith, Principal

For information on the Willard Children's Charitable Foundation, please contact Judy Craig at 742-2506 or Dr. Kent Medlin at 742-2584.

Willard Parks and Recreation (417)742-2262 http://www.cityofwillard.org

Kevin McDonald: Director Courtney Wendel: Sports Coordinator Brandon Eckhardt: Recreation Specialist Tina Christiansen: Front Desk Programmer

New Staff, New Ideas, a New Era in the Willard Parks Department

Log onto http://www.willardparks.com and check out the new Aquatics Section.

Missouri State Bears: THIS SATURDAY Get Ready Willard for one of the most exciting days of the year as Willard Parks & Recreation presents The Missouri State Bears Mens Basketball Team and Coaches on Saturday April 25th from 10:00am - 12:00pm. Come meet, take pictures and get autographs from the players and coaches. The event is free to attend and will be held at the Willard Recreation Center in the Murray Community Room. Dont miss this great opportunity to meet collegiate athletes in person. The MSU Bears day will also feature face painting, moon bounces and much more! For more information please contact (417)742-2262.

Willard Rummage Sale: THIS SATURDAY Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday April 25th from 8:00am - 1:00pm. Cost for a booth space is $15 and $2 for table. Call (417)742-2262 to reserve your booth. This is a huge yard sale (but indoors of course)!! Only a few open spots remain open.

Log onto http://www.willardparks.com and check out the new Aquatics Section, Sports Section and Special Events Section.

Willard Receives Big League Help: Willard Parks and Recreation has received a grant in the amount of $2000 from the St. Louis Cardinals Care Foundation. Funding for this grant comes from Cardinals players, the team's ownership group, local business, and Cardinals fans. This grant will be used for purchase new baseball equipment for the upcoming Willard Baseball League. Willard Parks and Recreation Representatives will be attending a check presentation at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on April 24th. Willard applied for this competitive grant in November 2008. Over its entire history the Cardinals Care Foundation has distributed over 12 million dollars in and around Cardinal Country.

US Soccer Foundation Grant: Willard Parks and Recreation has been awarded a grant in the amount of $4000.00 from the US Soccer Foundations grant making program. Willard is one of 27 communities selected nation wide and one of two communities selected in Missouri to receive a grant. The grant was applied for last October / November. The grant will be used in the following ways:

$3,000 in Eurosport product credit for Player Equipment and Uniforms

$1,000 in Kwik Goal product credit for Team Equipment

Willard will use the funds to help support the Willard Spring Soccer League and the opening of the new Highline Soccer Park. The US Soccer Foundation awarded a total of 1.2 million dollars in grants in 2009 all across the United States. The US Soccer Foundation is a major charitable arm in the United States. Its goal is to "To enhance, assist and grow the sport of soccer in the United States."

Thank you Sponsors: Thank you to the newest Willard Recreation Center Sponsors:

Junction Cafe Casey's Willard Care Center Downtown Bar-B-Q Sawyer Tire Program Select

Summer Camp Registration: May 1st - 15th:

2009 Summer Camp Theme: Around the World in 80 Days!

Willard Parks and Recreation will be providing summer camp for children who have completed Kindergarten thru completion of 5th grade. Session 1 camp will run May 26th - June 26th. Camp hours will be 7:00am - 6:00pm Monday through Friday. Campers will need a lunch brought to camp each day. 2 daily snacks will be provided. Daily activities , camp shirts and field trips are included in the tuition fee. Tuition fees are $95 per week (prepay weekly- no prorated weeks are available). First week of camp is $76 due to Monday May 25th being a holiday. If entire session 1 tuition fees are paid in full, there is a $5 discount per week. Registration forms are available at the Willard Recreation Center.

Movie in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting Movie in the Park on May 22nd at 9:00pm at Jackson St. Park. Playing will be the movie Kung Fu Panda. The event is free to attend and hamburgers, hotdogs and other concession items will be available for purchase. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and family members for a fun night!

Willard's First Music in the Park: Willard Parks and Recreation will be hosting its first Music in the Park event on Saturday May 30th at 6:00pm at Jackson St. Park. Performing will be Willard resident Brock Wade. Brock is young up and coming musician. Don't miss this event.

Willard Play Group: COME OUT & PLAY with Willard's Playgroup! Come play every Wednesday from 9am - 11am at the Willard Recreation Center. This is a new opportunity for parents and kids to play, socialize and just have fun. Moms and Dads are invited to bring their infant through Pre-K aged children for FREE PLAY , STRUCTURED ACTIVITIES & MONTHLY WORKSHOPS. This playgroup is free and open to the community. For more information please call (417)742-2262.

American Red Cross Community CPR/AED This course is designed to help participants recognize emergencies and respond appropriately. Emphasis will be placed on CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator) for adults and children. All participants will receive a participants workbook, and upon successful course completion , an American Red Cross certification card.

Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Location: Willard Recreation Center

Cost: $25

For more information, contact Brandon Eckhardt at (417) 742-2262, ext. 385.

Swimming Lessons: Swim lessons registration begins May 1st. For more information including course descriptions, schedules, and fees, go to willardparks.com. Search under the Aquaticstab.

Pool Rentals: The Aquatic Center is now available for booking private rentals. The rates are as follows: Under 75 people: $100/hour 75-150 people: $125/hour 151+ people: $150/hour

Rental times can be set at any time the facility is not already booked. Recreation Center front desk staff, as a general rule of thumb, will not be responsible for booking these rentals. This is to avoid any double-bookings. Any inquiries should be directed to me. If I am not available, encourage them to leave a message on my voicemail. I always call people back as soon as possible when a message is left. After May 22, all rentals will be made at the Willard Aquatic Center through the front desk staff.

Recycling: Willard Parks and Recreation has begun a new recycling program. A recycling tub collecting bottles is available at the Recreation Center and will be available at all spring sports locations.

Willard's First Triathlon: Willard Parks and Recreation in conjunction with Ridge Runner Sports and CoxHealth will be hosting our first Triathlon on Saturday June 20th beginning at the Community Building. The Triathlon entitled the Frisco Runaway Triathlon is $40 to participate. The race includes running, swimming and biking through and around Willard. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Triathlon Distances: Swimming: 300 Yards Biking: 12 Miles Running: 5K

Scholarship Grant: Through a generous donation, over $500 is available in the Sports Scholarship Program Fund. This provides a total of 14 scholarships for the 2009 year. If you are interested in signing up for a sports scholarship please email <mailto:parkdir@cityofwillard.org>parkdir@cityofwillard.org.

Freedom Fest: Preparation continues for Freedom Fest 2009. This 4th of July Celebration will be held Saturday July 4th. Visit <http://www.willardparks.com>www.willardparks.com in the coming months for details.

KenKarJu-Ruy 2009: Register now for KenKarJu-Ryu martial arts. This family oriented art focuses on courtesy, respect, self-discipline, self-defense, self-improvement, physical fitness and FUN! Classes are offered on Mondays and Thursdays from 6:30pm 7:30pm at the Willard Community Building for anyone ages 7 and up. The fee is $50 for the entire eight week session. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Session 1: 1/5 - 2/26 Session 2: 3/2 - 4/30 Session 3: 6/1 - 7/23 Session 4: 8/3 - 9/28 Session 5: 10/5 - 11/23

Childrens Dance Classes: Register now for Childrens Dance. Hurry, spots are limited. Creative Dance: Ages 3-5: Classes on Tuesday Afternoons Ballet and Tap: Ages 5 & up: Classes on Tuesdays & Thursdays Jazz: Ages 9 & up: Classes on Tuesdays

Classes are 8 weeks. The fee is $50 - $65. Registration forms are availability at the Recreation Center. For more information please call Ms. Patrice at 818-3659 or 833-8631

Beginner Belly Dancing: Willard Parks and Recreation will be offering Belly Dancing Classes. All adults are eligible to attend. The cost is $40 per participant. This program is a 5 week session and will be held on Wednesdays from 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Spots are limited. Registration forms are available at the Recreation Center.

Session 1: 1/14 - 2/11 Session 2: 2/18 - 3/18 Session 3: 4/1 - 4/29 Session 4: 5/6 - 6/3

Upcoming Registrations:

Recreation Baseball / Softball: May 1st - 31st

Adult Softball: May 1st - 31st

Please call us if you have any questions.

Kevin McDonald Parks and Recreation Director City of Willard 417-742-2262